Soil & Temperature Considerations
Kale is a cool season green that does not tolerate heat and thrive in temperatures up to 85°F or so. In mild climates, kale can often be planted in late summer and then can survive frosts through the winter. In warmer climates, crops will need to be planted in the early spring. To ensure proper root growth, the soil needs to have a temperature of at least 40°F. It is best to wait until the soil temperature is within a couple degrees of the air temperature before planting.
Signs of Planting Too Late
When it comes to delayed planting, don’t purchase and plant your kale seeds too late. You’re not likely to get much in the way of growth unless you find yourself in a cooler-than-normal period. Most often, planting too late can cause the crop to reach its growth limitations, leading to a smaller harvest and fewer eaten vegetables. Another issue with planting too late is that it can lead to some competitive issues, such as competing with other fast-growing greens, which can cause the kale to end up further behind in size.
Optimal Sowing Time
When the soil is ready for sowing, it is important to be mindful of the daylight hours. If you sow too early, the seeds may not sprout. That is why it is best to wait until the days have lengthened, usually around mid-April or late April, as this is the optimal sowing time for kale.
Growing Kale Inside
Kale can also be grown indoors if you have a windowsill or other spot to place a small pot or planter for the kale. When grown indoors, it is important to make sure the pot can drain any excess water and provide steady heat, usually closer to 70°F, to ensure the kale will thrive.
Harvesting Kale
Kale is a variety of plants that produce a harvest in the early fall season, usually when there is still frosts occurring in the evening or early morning. During this time, the cabbage leaves will take on a sweeter, milder flavor as the cold triggers the plant to convert sugar into starches for surviving the winter chill. To harvest,you can pick individual leaves or clip off the entire stem while using scissors.
Fertilizing Kale
Fertilization is key in ensuring your kale will maintain strong growths and big harvests. The fertilizer should be rich in nitrogen and potassium, and added to the soil before planting seeds. Make sure not to overcrowd the plants; keep them separated by at least 18 inches to ensure the plants have adequate space to grow.
Companion Planting
Kale can be paired with companion plants known to increase crop yields by attracting beneficial pests and increasing yields. These include thyme, garlic, beets, and borage. Planting these companions with the kale also prevents pests and disease that can affect the crop.
Watering Practices
When it comes to watering vegetables, it is important to maintain a consistent water flow throughout the growing season. When excessive water is applied, the roots can become stressed and this can affect growth. For kale, experts recommend watering them frequently but in small amounts to ensure that the soil does not become soggy or overly saturated.
Preserving Kale
When harvesting kale, it is optimal to harvest them when they are at their largest size. The leaves will be tougher and less sweet if the winter frost has not set in. If you plan on keeping the crop for later use, you can blanch them, freeze them, or dry out the leaves and store them in airtight containers.
Additional Considerations
Kale does not require much in the way of additional nutrients or fertilizer; however, there are some things that may help bolster the crop’s success. If you plan on growing kale in small spaces or containers, use potting soil rather than garden soil as it will provide better drainage. Additionally, avoid over-fertilizing or exposing the crop to too much sunlight or heat as it can kill the plants or cause them to become bitter prematurely.
Weeding Management
Weeds can compete with the kale for nutrients and water. To keep your crop healthy and thriving, it is best to pull out any weeds as soon as they appear. Additionally, it is important to mulch the area to help retain moisture, and prevent the growth of weeds.
Choosing Varieties
When planting kale seeds, make sure to select the variety that best suits your needs and the climate you live in. Some varieties will be more heat-tolerant than others, while others will be better suited for cooler weather. Additionally, hybrids and heirlooms are also available for those interested in growing organic kale.
Protecting From Pests & Diseases
Kale is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including cabbage worms, harlequin bugs, and clubroot. To protect the plants, keep the area clean of debris and weeds, and use row covers or other insect barriers to reduce the number of pests that may attack the crop. Additionally, make sure to inspect the crop regularly and respond quickly to any signs of pests or disease.
Giving Kale the Right Start
Before you plant any kale, make sure to properly prepare the soil. Kale prefers sandy loam soil with plenty of organic matter, as this will help retain moisture and improve drainage. Additionally, mix in compost or other organic matter to add essential nutrients to the soil and help increase yields. Additionally, broadcast fertilizer into the soil or add supplemental fertilizers, such as fish emulsion, to help the crop grow more vigorously.
